Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aurora, NY (Mar 2023)

  • Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,577
  • Payback Period: 15.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora

We go over average solar pricing in Aurora.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Aurora, the average cost of solar panels is 2.95 per watt. Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Aurora, the average price of going solar will be about $9,458 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Aurora homeowner can save around $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Aurora

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,856
3 years $-7,654
5 years $-6,451
7 years $-5,248
9 years $-4,045
11 years $-2,843
13 years $-1,640
15 years $-437
17 years $766
19 years $1,969
21 years $3,171
23 years $4,374
25 years $5,577

Top Solar Installers in Aurora

Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Aurora

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aurora

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Aurora is $9,458, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Aurora homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Aurora, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.07 $12,886 $6,820 16.3 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $9,424 16.0 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $12,193 15.7 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $15,127 15.4 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $18,227 15.1 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $21,491 14.8 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $24,921 14.5 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $28,516 14.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Aurora, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Aurora?

The average cost of solar panels in Aurora is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Aurora?

A solar panel system isn't free in Aurora, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

How will solar panels impact the value of my home?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Aurora is currently $234,691, which means you can look forward to a value of about $9,622 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Aurora is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Aurora?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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